Flash Drive

Flash Drive 2016 Mazda Miata

January 1, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Club

The all-new 2016 Mazda Miata is a blast to drive on sunny days. The car is very athletic.
The all-new 2016 Mazda Miata is a blast to drive on sunny days. The car is very athletic.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 155 horsepower, 148 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 27/City—34/Highway—30/Combined

Base Price: $28,600

As Tested: $32,820

Performance:

Club model has extra performance enhancements

Limited slip differential

17-inch BBS forged alloy wheels

Brembo brakes

Bilstein shocks

Shock tower brace

Front air dam and rear lip spoilers

Skyactiv engine and related technologies

The 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine is rated at 155 hp, but that's plenty for the super lightweight roadster.
The 2.0-liter inline four cylinder engine is rated at 155 hp, but that’s plenty for the super lightweight roadster.

Curb weight of 2,332 pounds

150 pounds lighter than last generation Miata

Smooth six-speed manual transmission and clutch

Quick, responsive steering

Good fuel economy, we averaged 31.4 mpg

Dual exhaust, sporty exhaust note

Very maneuverable, U-turns are a breeze

Comfort:

Snug interior for large or tall people

OK space for driver

Less room for passenger

Tilt steering column

Medium thick contoured leather steering wheel

The seats are very low to the ground, but they're comfortable and supportive.
The seats are very low to the ground, but they’re comfortable and supportive.

Good auxiliary controls on wheel

Tight convertible top, minimal wind noise

Easy up and down convertible top

Utility:

Minimal interior storage

No door bins

No glovebox

Console bin good for a pack of chewing gum

Small, hard to reach bin between and behind seats

Trunk is small but pretty deep

Compact LED headlights

Annoying, removable flimsy cup holders

Large central tachometer

Small analog speedometer to right of tach

Twin rollbar hoops behind seats

7-inch touch screen infotainment display

Wow Factors:

Very athletic, nimble

The canvas top is snug and easy to operate.
The canvas top is snug and easy to operate.

Great fun to drive on country roads

A true, honest sports car

Handsome styling

Whines:

Very cramped for people over 6-feet tall

Minimal interior storage

Low stance means lots of headlight glare at night

Bottom Line:

The all-new 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the modern iteration of a classic compact sports car. That’s great and not so great. All the driving fun and excitement is there, but amenities like passenger and cargo room are minimal. The car is trim and athletic and the interior is

The 2016 Mazda Miata is handsomely styled from all angles.
The 2016 Mazda Miata is handsomely styled from all angles.

best-suited similarly proportioned people. The Miata is a joyful weekend or summer car, but not a great daily commuter.